BULK CELL PHONE PURCHASE: At Three Different Walmarts has the FBI on Alert in This State

Federal officials are concerned about a large quantity of cell phones purchased in three different Missouri cities in less than a week. Police have investigated the purchase of large quantities of cell phones at Walmart stores in Columbia, Lebanon and Macon. In two cases, the FBI was contacted.

Law enforcement agencies report cellphones are potential tools in the hands of terrorists. The devices can be used to communicate and they’re difficult to trace if they’re prepaid phones; they can also be used as detonators for bombs.

KMIZ-TV reports that several men bought dozens of phones at a Columbia Walmart late last week, and paid in cash. Police just reported the purchases Monday.

The Macon County Sheriff’s Office said it is investigating a similar report on Wednesday at a Macon Walmart.